Road Tests

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury & Team

Quick Review

Good

Low base
price, off-road ability, legroom, cabin materials

Bad

Outdated platform,
slow, average on-road handling

The Pajero is a true off-roader, and a legend in its own right. It received a massive revamp for 2007, with an all-new interior, and can be had in either three-door or five-door body styles. From 2010, powertrain options were either a 3.5-litre V6 mated to a 4-speed automatic, or a 3.8-litre V6 engine mated to a 5-speed auto. A minor frontal facelift and other trim changes marked the changes for 2012. The standard package includes ActiveTrac four-wheel-drive with rear-wheel, full-time all-wheel and 4WD high and low range with locked centre
differential. The long-wheelbase model holds seven passengers, with a third-row seat that can be folded into a well in the cargo area floor, or removed entirely. Standard features include an RV meter showing external temperature, time, date, compass, pressure, altitude and maintenance intervals. Also standard are a radio cassette
player with 6 speakers, automatic a/c, front dual airbags, keyless entry, power windows and mirrors, and 16-inch alloy wheels. Higher models get a 6-disc CD changer, fake wood interior trim, sunroof, front and rear automatic a/c, traction
control, ABS with EBD, cruise control, cool box, leather seats and 17-inch wheels. Only the top-level 3.8 models get side airbags as standard. From early 2012, a few hundred 30th Anniversary edition models were offered, signified by LED lights in the bumpers and a few other trim bits.